Overview
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – was established in 2011 as an independent Crown entity and is New Zealand’s principal financial markets conduct regulator. Its statutory purpose is to promote fair, efficient and transparent financial markets and support informed participation by businesses, investors and consumers.
The FMA seeks to maintain market integrity, protect consumers and encourage confidence in financial services through risk-based, outcomes-focused regulation.
Mission and focus areas
The FMA regulates financial market conduct through licensing, supervision, monitoring, investigations and enforcement. Its responsibilities cover financial advisers, investment managers, financial institutions, securities markets and other regulated financial service providers.
Its sustainability-related responsibilities include monitoring and enforcing New Zealand’s mandatory climate-related disclosure regime. The FMA assesses compliance with applicable reporting standards and disclosure requirements, supporting the reliability of climate-related information used by investors and other market participants.
Structure and governance
The FMA operates under the Financial Markets Authority Act 2011 and is governed by a Board appointed by the Governor-General on ministerial advice. The Board establishes strategic priorities, oversees organisational performance and appoints the Chief Executive.
Executive leadership manages regulatory operations, policy, enforcement and organisational functions. Board advisory committees oversee audit and risk, people and remuneration, and regulatory activities, while collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders supports regulatory coordination.
Programs and offerings
The FMA publishes regulatory guidance, consultation documents, monitoring reports, research, enforcement notices and market conduct assessments. It also provides licensing information, compliance resources and consumer education materials covering financial products and services.
For finance and sustainability professionals, its resources explain regulatory obligations, governance expectations, disclosure requirements and conduct standards. Climate-related disclosure guidance and monitoring publications are particularly relevant to ESG reporting, regulatory compliance and the assessment of climate-related financial information.
